EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research must approve ARC funding rules.
Purpose and effect
Discovery Projects is a scheme funded under the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program. The scheme recognises the importance of fundamental research to the national innovation system through supporting research undertaken by individual researchers or research teams.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 contain:
(a) the eligibility criteria to be met in order for a proposal to be approved for financial assistance (including criteria relating to the kinds of organisation that may receive assistance and the kinds of research program in respect of which assistance may be provided);
(b) how to apply for financial assistance;
(c) the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval;
(d) the ways in which, and circumstances in which, a funding approval may be varied; and
(e) any additional accountability requirements that the ARC thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 take account of, and are consistent with:
(a) the funding cap for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply; and
(b) the funding split determination for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply.
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 24 December 2010. No amendments have been made.
Documents incorporated by reference
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
- the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007); the NHMRC/ARC/AVCC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC (see subsection 14.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
- Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2012 (see subsection 10.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
- National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see subsection 14.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
Commencement
Discovery Projects Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2012 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description
Section 1 provides the name of the Funding Rules.
Section 2 provides the commencement details.
Section 3 provides interpretations of the definitions.
Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the Discovery Projects scheme and the selection criteria.
Section 5 outlines the level of funding, restrictions on budget items, and types of research not supported.
Section 6 outlines organisational types, roles and eligibility.
Section 7 deals with roles and eligibility for researchers, chief investigators and partner investigators.
Section 8 outlines the Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award (DORA) including eligibility, and funding.
Section 9 outlines number of proposals, funded projects and cross-scheme eligibility.
Section 10 deals with the submission of proposals, certification and conflict of interest.
Section 11 outlines the selection and approval process including, assessment and selection, rejoinder, request not to assess, recommendations and offer of funding.
Section 12 outlines the appeals process.
Section 13 deals with reporting requirements including, progress reports, end of year reports, final reports and audited financial statement.
Section 14 outlines the fundamental principles of conducting research including, ethics and research practices, applicable law, confidentiality, intellectual property and incomplete or misleading information.
Appendix A. Eligible Organisations